Interstate Bus Services Grind to Halt Across Southern States
The Luxury Bus Owners Association delivered shocking news on Sunday, announcing the complete suspension of all interstate bus operations connecting Kerala with neighboring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This dramatic decision will take effect from Monday at 6 p.m., creating immediate transportation challenges for thousands of daily passengers.
Unbearable Financial Pressure Forces Operators' Hand
Association State President AJ Rijas revealed that the extreme measure became necessary after neighboring states began imposing crushing financial burdens on Kerala operators. The association claims Tamil Nadu and Karnataka authorities have been levying excessive fines, implementing questionable state-level taxes, and seizing buses despite valid documentation.
General Secretary Maneesh Sasidharan emphasized the frustration within the industry, noting that All India Tourist Permit (AITP) buses from Kerala, despite carrying legally valid permits issued under the Central Government's Motor Vehicles Act, face consistent stopping, fining, and detention in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Year-Long Harassment Reaches Breaking Point
The association detailed a pattern of systematic challenges that operators have faced for over twelve months. According to their statement, Tamil Nadu authorities have been collecting taxes arbitrarily from Kerala-registered vehicles, creating repeated harassment scenarios affecting both operators and innocent passengers.
What makes the current situation particularly noteworthy is the contrasting approach taken by different state governments. The association acknowledged that during this difficult period, the Kerala government maintained a sympathetic and supportive stance, deliberately avoiding retaliatory measures in hopes of achieving a cooperative resolution through dialogue.
The financial risks have become so severe that many operators now fear running interstate services altogether. The constant threat of substantial financial losses combined with vehicle seizure has created an environment where suspension became the only viable option for business survival.
Safety Concerns Override Commercial Interests
In a significant clarification, the association emphasized that this service suspension does not represent a voluntary protest but rather a compelled action taken specifically for the safety and protection of vehicles, drivers, and passengers. The decision reflects growing concerns about the operational environment in neighboring states.
The association has urgently requested intervention from Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar and the Transport Commissioner, asking them to immediately engage with the Governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as well as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Their demands are clear: end what they describe as unlawful practices and ensure uniform implementation of the AITP framework across all southern states. The association has formally communicated these concerns through a letter to Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar.
Despite the current crisis, the association remains hopeful about potential resolution. They expressed confidence that with timely intervention from both Kerala government and central authorities, the issue could be settled amicably, allowing normal interstate tourist operations to resume quickly.
The suspension affects one of South India's busiest transport corridors, potentially disrupting travel plans for tourists, daily commuters, and commercial travelers who depend on these interstate luxury bus services for affordable and comfortable transportation between the three states.
